He added: "Across a big chunk of Scotland and Northern Ireland, where we have had snow overnight, that's likely to then lead to some ice in time for morning rush hour tomorrow.

"Across northern parts of England and Wales we are likely to have some snow falling during morning rush hour, so that's likely to cause some difficult driving conditions and there could also be some icy patches too."

British Airways said 70 short-haul flights to and from London's Heathrow airport did not operate on Monday due to the weather and a further 10 have been cancelled on Tuesday.

Temperatures will dip further on Tuesday night - and could sink as low as -11C in parts of Scotland and northern England.

Another band of snow, sleet and rain would sweep across the country from Wednesday to Thursday and bring a "milder blip" in the weather, Mr Burkill said.

But he added: "The cold weather is likely to return as we go towards the weekend.

"Really much of February and perhaps even into March it is going to stay on the cold side, so temperatures generally below average, with further frosts and also the risk of rain, sleet and snow as well."